Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, is set to bypass certain human rights laws in a bold move to get flights to Rwanda operational and put an end to the problem of illegal migration. This comes as the Prime Minister unveils what is being called the "toughest immigration legislation ever," which will also grant him the power to override European judges. The Safety and Rwanda bill, introduced alongside a new treaty, aims to begin the first removals by next spring. By disapplying certain elements of the Human Rights Act and declaring Rwanda as a "safe" country, the government hopes to prevent legal challenges to their flagship scheme.
Cracking Down on the Migrant Crisis
The bill, although likely to anger centrist Tory MPs, is seen by Mr. Sunak as a necessary measure to address the ongoing migrant crisis. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to take action to stop the "endless scourge of illegal migration," which is not only costing the country billions of pounds but also innocent lives. The emergency legislation aims to regain control of the borders, deter dangerous journeys across the English Channel, and put an end to the continuous legal challenges that burden the courts. The disapplication of sections of the Human Rights Act, specifically in the case of Rwanda, is intended to ensure that the government's plan cannot be halted.
Challenges Ahead
Next week, Mr. Sunak will face his first test when MPs are expected to vote on the move. He will then push to expedite the passage of the bill through Parliament as quickly as possible, with some MPs even suggesting working through Christmas to achieve this. While right-wing Tories have expressed support for the proposals, concerns have been raised about potential legal challenges and delays in the courts. Critics argue that the bill allows each illegal migrant to make individual human rights claims against their removal and appeal those claims if they are initially unsuccessful.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who has been critical of the government's handling of illegal migration, warned that the Conservative Party could face "electoral oblivion" unless Mr. Sunak takes decisive action. In a statement to the Commons, she questioned who truly governs Britain in the face of the influx of migrants arriving in the country via small boats.
